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At some time or another, every person has had the common cold. While some forms of a cold are definitely worse than others, flu symptoms tend to be more severe. Fever, sore throat, congestion, muscle aches, pain and a severe cough are all common flu symptoms.
Unlike the common cold virus, flu symptoms can leave you feeling run-down for a week or more. Both of these common viruses infect humans through touching of the nose, eyes and mouth, and that is why hand hygiene is so essential.
However, unless you’re washing your hands every minute of every day, you could still easily become infected.
Utah Valley Specialty Hospital wants everyone to get through flu season unscathed, so here are six ways to protect yourself and your family from the flu this year.
1. Stay home when sick
Although every day you miss at work is money you’re not making, it’s worth the sacrifice. Some people don’t often get the flu unless they’ve already been sick, so the key is to stay home if you are feeling under the weather. That way, you’ll avoid spreading any illness and getting more serious ones as a result of your current vulnerability.
2. Avoid touching your face
You might think that you don’t touch your face all that much, but most people touch their eyes, nose and mouth several times each minute. This surprising fact shows how people are at risk for infection, even when they do wash their hands several times a day. Make a conscious effort to avoid touching your face until you can wash your hands.
3. Cover your face while sneezing and coughing
Yes, it’s important not to touch your face with your hands, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cover your face when you feel a cough or sneeze coming on. You just have to know the correct way to do it that prevents the spread of infection. Often referred to as the “vampire sneeze,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests coughing or sneezing into your upper sleeve or elbow if you don’t have a tissue on hand. This type of sneezing is good etiquette, as well as a way to prevent the spread of disease. Remember to always wash your hands after coughing and sneezing if you do it into a handheld facial tissue.
4. Wash your hands well and often
Most people wash their hands after going to the bathroom, but it’s best to do it even more often if you want to avoid getting sick. Wash your hands before and after eating, as well as any time you touch your face or a public surface. In addition, use warm water and good hand-washing technique to ensure the elimination of bacteria. Using a paper towel to turn off the sink and open the door also goes a long way in preventing the spread of germs.
5. Avoid close contact
Particularly from November to March, the flu is rampant. When at work or in another public place, avoid close contact with coworkers and others, especially if they appear to be sick. This simply means leaving a little more space between you and them than you might normally do. It’s nothing personal; just better safe than sorry.
6. Get a flu shot
Despite your best efforts to practice good health habits, you can still get the flu. According to the CDC, the single best way to prevent getting the flu is by getting a flu shot before or at the start of flu season (November-March). The CDC monitors reported flu viruses throughout the year to make the most accurate flu shot to fit each season’s needs. To schedule your flu shot, call your primary care physician’s office or go to your local pharmacy.
